Every child wants a happy family. Love from their parents.I wanted the same.To be honest, I thought I already had that.
Then...
Slap!
"How can you do this to me?!"
"Reina, I can explain—"
Slap!
Noor stood there, stunned.Did Mom just slap Dad...?
"You disgust me! How could you? At least think about our son! You were with that woman again. Don't you have any shame?!"
"Woah… Mom, why are you yelling at Dad…?"
"He's just five! How will he feel when he grows up and finds out his father is a chea—sob... Whatever, Noor, let's go."
"Reina! Where are you going?! And why are you taking Noor?!"
"I don't want him to turn out like you."
Door slams.
Back then, I didn't understand what my mom meant.She took me to her friend's house. I sat silently on the sofa, trying to make sense of what had just happened.
"Hey Noor, let's play!""No... I don't want to.""But why? I have candies! I'll give you some if you play!""...Okay."
We played for a bit."Hey Noor, catch the ball! Wait—why are you running away from me?""I'm scared of girls.""Haha! What did you just say?!"
The ball rolled near the hallway. As I picked it up, I overheard my mom talking to her friend.
I peeked through the door.
"Liza, why did my husband cheat on me? I loved him more than anything. He didn't even think about our son! I sacrificed my career, my life for him, and this is what I get?"
"So what now? Are you going to divorce him?"
"I would've… but Noor, he's just five. He loves his dad. If we divorce now, it might affect him emotionally."
"So, you'll live with that toxic bastard for the rest of your life? And Noor—he's also a man. He has the same blood. What if he turns out like his father? What will you do then?"
"No… my son will never be like his dad! Never!"She sobbed uncontrollably.
Hearing her cry, I rushed to her.
"Mom! Why are you crying?""It's nothing, dear." She hugged me tightly.
Some days later, my dad took us back home. I was happy, but something felt... off.
My parents no longer shared a room. They barely talked. I never saw my mom smile again.Slowly, my "happy family" began to fall apart.
I once wanted to ask her why, but I couldn't.Maybe I was just a kid. Too small to understand.
My mom took up a job. My dad was hardly ever home.I spent most of my time alone.
At first, I was scared. But slowly, I got used to the silence.It was better than hearing them argue every night over the smallest things.
Eight years passed.
Because of my father's business, I had to transfer schools often.I didn't make many friends. I was an average student who either studied or played games. Nothing special.
When I was in eighth grade, the school arranged a parent-teacher meeting.They asked me to bring both parents.
I didn't tell either of them the other was coming.It was supposed to be a surprise.Maybe... maybe they'd talk. Maybe things would change. I still had a little hope.
But when I rushed to the teacher's room, I saw my mom storming out, furious.
She looked at me—And for the first time in my life, I felt scared of her.
"If you want to be something in life," she said, coldly, "then study hard. Or you'll end up as a miserable trash like your father."
She left without saying anything else.
Tears filled my eyes.Some students giggled.Others mocked.
When I saw my dad, I ran up to him and hugged him.
"Dad… why is Mom angry with me?"
"Don't worry. Just study well." He patted my head.
But somehow, the warmth in his hands... was gone.Was he faking his love for me?I could never tell.
Later, I learned from other students that my mother had called him a cheater in front of the teachers.After that, school became hell.
I was mocked, bullied, locked in bathrooms, beaten for no reason.I told the teachers—they barely listened.I wanted to tell my parents, but...
I was scared of Mom.And Dad never picked up my calls.
A year passed.
One day, Dad called me and said we were transferring again.This time, I was glad. I'd finally leave that horrible school.
That night, I saw Dad talking to Mom.
"You're not coming?""No. It's my house. I'm not leaving it.""Fine."
I was sad. Mom wasn't coming with us.But she promised to visit often.
When we reached the new place, I woke up in the car and saw a large mansion in front of me.
"Dad, did we arrive? What is this place?"
"Noor, let me ask you something."
"What?"
"I heard you've been living alone most of the time. Is that true?"
"Yeah..."
"Then listen carefully. This is my boss's house. You'll be staying here from now on. Be on your best behavior and they'll take care of you."
"...Wait. What? You're not staying with me?"
"No."
"But... why?"
"It's for business. If I get some free time, I'll visit."
"I want to go with you! I love you, Dad. Don't leave me here!"
"Noor, I don't have time to babysit you. And watch your tone."
"You've changed! Don't leave me—"
"Listen, you little shit." He grabbed my mouth."I told you, it's business. Stop blabbering."
Mm... Dad… why?
Slap!
A sharp sting, and a strange fear struck me.Did Dad... just hit me?
"If you say one more word, I'll crush your mouth."
I was shocked.Was this the same person I once called my dad?I didn't know anymore.
"Why are you making me a burden to someone else?" I asked.
"Because you already are a burden to me.Now get out of the car."
I didn't say a word.
He grabbed my hand and dragged me into the mansion.
He introduced me to his boss.But I couldn't hear anything.
My ears were ringing. My eyes were full of tears.
When he drove away...
I stared at the road.Screaming silently inside...
Don't leave me here.